Ever Heard of Shonen Knife? Me Neither

By CHRIS BEAUMONT, BLOGCRITICS.ORG

Updated 3:12 pm, Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Shonen Knife. I like the name, never heard of the band until now. It turns out they are a pop punk band from Japan that formed way back in 1981. Of course, there is only one original member, but they have consistently released music since their 1982 debut. All told, they have 16 albums out and are poised to release their 17th.

What makes this new album special? It will be the first one released in English. The album is called Free Time and the lead single is "Perfect Freedom."

Punk is not generally my speed. Pop punk? Forget it. Sure, there are exceptions like the Ramones, Misfits, and Dookie-era Green Day come to mind. Now, all-girl Japanese pop-punk? Consider me not interested.

Enter Shonen Knife and "Perfect Freedom." This tune is eminently catchy, infectious, bouncy, and just plain fun. From the simple drum beat to the guitars to the vocals, this just makes you want to jump around like a little girl.

Consider this quote included with the press materials: “When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert.” — Kurt Cobain discussing Shonen Knife in Rolling Stone

Give the video a gander, I suspect you'll find yourself bouncing to it too: